World’s football governing body FIFA has released its monthly ranking for national teams for February and African champions the Super Eagles of Nigeria climbed 22 spots on the ladder and are now ranked 30th in the world and fourth in Africa.
This is the best ranking of the Super Eagles since August 2010 and it is coming just as the Eagles claimed their third African title, ending a 19-year drought since they last won the tournament.
Ghana, Mali and Algeria make up the top five on the continent.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and former champions Zambia are in sixth and seventh position while Central African Republic the stallions of Burkina Faso and South Africa make up the top 10.
Beaten finalists Burkina Faso is ranked 55th in the world, moving up 37 spots.
The host of the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON); South Africa also enjoyed a significant leap of 25 places moving to the 60th position.
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire maintained their top spot in Africa but dropped two places in the world ranking which puts them in the 12th position.
Meanwhile world and European champions Spain retained the top position among football playing nations in the world, a position they have occupied in the last few years.
The German machines are in second position closely followed by South American giants Argentina, three lions of England and the Azzuris of Italy make up the top five.
Columbia, Portugal, Holland, Croatia and 2018 World Cup host; Russia are the teams that make up the top 10.
Five time World Cup winners Brazil are yet to make it back into the top 10.
